Showing papers on "Video camera published in 2001"

Development of the Black Widow Micro Air Vehicle

Abstract: This paper describes the development of the Black Widow Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) over the past 4 years. An MAV has generally been defined as having a span of less than 6 inches, and a mass of less than 100 grams. The Black Widow is a 6-inch span, fixed-wing aircraft with a color video camera that downlinks live video to the pilot. It flies at 30 mph, with an endurance of 30 minutes, and a maximum communications range of 2 km. The vehicle has an autopilot, which features altitude hold, airspeed hold, heading hold, and yaw damping. The electronic subsystems are among the smallest and lightest in the world, including a 2gram camera, a 2-gram video downlink transmitter, and a 5-gram fully proportional radio control system with 0.5-gram actuators. A Multidisciplinary Design Optimization methodology with a genetic algorithm was used to integrate the MAV subsystems and optimize the vehicle for maximum endurance. Some of the potential missions for MAVs are visual reconnaissance, situational awareness, damage assessment, surveillance, biological or chemical agent sensing, and communications relay. In addition to these military missions, there are several commercial applications, such as search and rescue, border patrol, air sampling, police surveillance, and field research.

Information communication terminal device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve an information communication terminal device that is highly portable and can handle a moving image, and has multiple functions. SOLUTION: Upper and lower cases 1 and 2 are connected rotatably by a connection section 3. The connection section 3 comprises a rotary shaft- supporting section 6 in one piece with the lower case 2, a rotary shaft 7 that is in one piece with the upper case 1, and is partially embedded to the rotary shaft-supporting section 6 rotatably, and an accommodation body 8 that is embedded to the rotary shaft-supporting section 6 rotatably. And, a video camera and a camera lens 9 are accommodated in the accommodation body 8. A display/operation section 4 and a display/operation section 5 are provided at almost the entire portion of the upper case 1 and the lower case 2, respectively. At the display/operation sections 4 and 5, in addition to the camera image of the video camera, a received image, and each kind of data, a touch-type operation button is also displayed and has a function as an operation section along with the display section. Then, a 'record' mode, a 'transmission/ reception' mode, and an 'information acquisition' mode can be selectively set, thus achieving use according to each mode. COPYRIGHT: (C)2002,JPO

System and method for object identification and behavior characterization using video analysis

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to systems and methods for finding the position and shape of an object using video. The invention includes a system with a video camera coupled to a computer in which the computer is configured to automatically provide object segmentation and identification, object motion tracking (for moving objects), object position classification, and behavior identification. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may use background subtraction for object identification and tracking, probabilistic approach with expectation-maximization for tracking the motion detection and object classification, and decision tree classification for behavior identification. Thus, the present invention is capable of automatically monitoring a video image to identify, track and classify the actions of various objects and the object's movements within the image. The image may be provided in real time or from storage. The invention is particularly useful for monitoring and classifying animal behavior for testing drugs and genetic mutations, but may be used in any of a number of other surveillance applications.

Method and apparatus for performing geo-spatial registration of imagery

Abstract: A system and method for accurately mapping between image coordinates and geo-coordinates, called geo-spatial registration. The system utilizes the imagery and terrain information contained in the geo-spatial database to precisely align geodetically calibrated reference imagery with an input image, e.g., dynamically generated video images, and thus achieve a high accuracy identification of locations within the scene. When a sensor, such as a video camera, images a scene contained in the geo-spatial database, the system recalls a reference image pertaining to the imaged scene. This reference image is aligned very accurately with the sensor's images using a parametric transformation. Thereafter, other information that is associated with the reference image can easily be overlaid upon or otherwise associated with the sensor imagery.

Video indexing based on viewers' behavior and emotion feedback

Abstract: A method and a corresponding apparatus for video indexing based on viewers' behavior and emotion feedback to automatically index a multimedia sequence using viewers' casual feedback while watching the multimedia sequence. The method and apparatus use a system, such as an emotion detection system that includes one or more multimedia acquisition devices, such as video cameras, to detect viewers' behavior and emotion feedback, and to produce as video indices various categories of behavior and emotion segments. Each video camera may include one or more image sensors and/or audio sensors. The viewers or other users, i.e., user, may later selectively view the multimedia sequence by browsing through the video indices of various categories of emotion. The video indices are similar to chapters within digital video disc (DVD) movies that enable a user to jump directly to a particular chapter without having to fast forward.

Personal videoconferencing system having distributed processing architecture

Abstract: A personal videoconferencing system includes a videoconferencing appliance connected to a personal computer through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or similar connection. The appliance is provided with a video camera and microphone for generating local video and audio streams. The local video and audio streams are compressed by a video and audio encoder residing at the appliance, and the compressed video and audio streams are conveyed to the personal computer over the USB connection. The appliance may be further provided with an audio decoder for decompressing a remote audio stream received by the personal computer through a network interface and conveyed to the appliance via the USB connection. A video decoder, located on the personal computer, is configured to decompress the local video stream (received through the USB connection) as well as a remote video stream received through the network interface. The decompressed video streams are then sent to a monitor for display to a user. The decompressed audio stream may be played either at a loudspeaker coupled to the audio decoder or at the personal computer.

3d imaging in the studio (and elsewhere...)

Abstract: At 3DV Systems Ltd. we developed and built a true 3D video camera (Zcam), capable of producing RGB and D signals where D stands for distance or depth to each pixel. The new RGBD camera makes it possible to do away with color based background substitution known as chroma-key as well as creating a whole gallery of new effects and applications such as multilayer foreground as well as background substitutions and manipulations. The new multilayerd modality makes possible the production of mixed reality real time video as well as post- production manipulation of recorded video. The new RGBD camera is scannerless and uses low power laser illumination to create the D channel. Prototypes have beer in use for more than 2 years and, are capable of sub-centimeter depth resolution at any desired distance up to 10 m. on the present model. Additional potential applications as well as low cost versions are currently being explored.

Automatic personalized media creation system

Abstract: An automatic personalized media creation system provides a capture area for a user. A performance of the user is automatically captured. The video and/or audio of the performance is recorded using a video camera that is automatically adjusted to the user's physical dimensions and position. The performance is analyzed for acceptability and the user is asked to re-perform the desired actions if the performance is unacceptable. The desired footage of the acceptable performance is automatically composited or edited onto pre-recorded and/or dynamic media template footage and is rendered and stored for later delivery. The user selects the media template footage from a set of footage templates. An interactive display area is provided outside of the capture area where the user reviews the rendered footage and specifies the delivery medium.

Rapid modeling of animated faces from video

Abstract: Generating realistic 3D human face models and facial animations has been a persistent challenge in computer graphics. We have developed a system that constructs textured 3Dface models from videos with minimal user interaction. Our system takes images andvideo sequences of a face with an ordinary video camera. After five manual clicks ontwo images to tell the system where the eye corners, nose top and mouth corners are, thesystem automatically generates a realistic looking 3D human head model and the constructed model can be animated immediately. A user with a PC and an ordinary camera can use our system to generate his/her face model in a few minutes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Three-dimensional imaging in the studio and elsewhere

Abstract: At 3DV Systems Ltd. we developed and built a true 3D video camera (Zcam), capable of producing RGB and D signals where D stands for distance or depth to each pixel. The new RGBD camera makes it possible to do away with color based background substitution known as chroma-key as well as creating a whole gallery of new effects and applications such as multilayer foreground as well as background substitutions and manipulations. The new multilayerd modality makes possible the production of mixed reality real time video as well as post- production manipulation of recorded video. The new RGBD camera is scannerless and uses low power laser illumination to create the D channel. Prototypes have been in use for more than 2 years and, are capable of sub-centimeter depth resolution at any desired distance up to 10 m. on the present model. Additional potential applications as well as low cost versions are currently being explored.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

System and Methodology for Automated Provisioning of New User Accounts

Abstract: System and methodology are described that allow a new user of a user-operated device (e.g., wireless digital camera, cellular phone, video camera, audio device, or the like) to immediately begin using the features and services of the device without having to first activate a new user account. Thus in the instance where the user-operated device is a newly-acquired wireless digital camera, for example, the user can immediately begin taking and uploading his or her pictures to a photo Web site prior to having to open a user account, or having to perform other cumbersome activation steps. In such a wireless digital camera embodiment, the photo Web site and vendors of either cellular-enabled digital cameras or camera-enabled cellular phones provide user Web accounts based upon the unique ID or phone number belonging to one of these two devices. The user need only bother to “open” his or her account, that is, establish a user name and password, at some subsequent point in time that is convenient for the user (e.g., when the user is first visiting the photo Web site, using a browser, to view the digital photographs he or she previously uploaded). This approach allows users to use his or her newly-acquired device (e.g., immediately take pictures and upload them to an account at a photo Web site) right “out-of-the-box,” all without having to first register or setup a new user account.

Three-dimensional video broadcasting system

Abstract: A 3D video broadcasting system includes a video stream compressor used to generate a base stream and an enhancement stream using a base stream encoder and an enhancement stream encoder, respectively. The base stream includes either right view images or left view images, and is encoded and decoded independently of the enhancement stream using MPEG-2 standard. The enhancement stream includes the view images not included in the base stream, and is dependent upon the base stream for encoding and decoding. The base stream encoder provides I-pictures to the enhancement stream encoder for disparity estimation and compensation during bi-directional encoding and decoding of the enhancement stream. In addition, for bi-directional encoding and decoding, decoded enhancement stream pictures are used for motion estimation and compensation. The video stream compressor can be used to compress right and left view video streams from two video cameras or from a single video camera generated using a 3D lens system.

Crash prevention recorder (CPR)/video-flight data recorder (V-FDR)/cockpit-cabin voice recorder for light aircraft with an add-on option for large commercial jets

Abstract: FIG. 1 shows a light airplane with the installed invention comprising: an Electronic Rear-view Mirror Component ( 100 ) in the cockpit usable by the pilot or co-pilot from the adjustment of twin mechanical arms, a Video Local Area Network (V-LAN) Component ( 3000 ), several Bug-Eye Sensor Components ( 2000 ) for the front-video camera ( 2004 ), rear video camera ( 2008 ), right video camera ( 2012 ), and left video camera ( 2016 ), and a Crash Prevention Recorder (CPR) Component ( 4000 ).

Vehicle safety monitoring system for viewing blind spots

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring systems capable of being retrofitted to a commercial transport carrier having a video camera, a fastening bracket for securing the video camera to a first point of attachment on the transport carrier, a ball mount and screw mechanism, a camera support bracket, a monitor support bracket for securing the monitor to a second point of attachment in the cab of the transport carrier, and a coaxial cable for relaying images from the video camera to the monitor, wherein the video camera is adjustably mounted to the first point of attachment and the monitor is adjustable mounted to the second point of attachment. Upon retrofit, the monitoring system provides a rear-view image of areas adjacent the commercial transport carrier (i.e., blind spots), thereby enhancing the driver's situational awareness, preventing highway accidents, and promoting highway safety.

System and method for creating, storing, and utilizing composite images of a geographic location

Abstract: A system and method synthesizing images of a locale to generate a composite image that provide a panoramic view of the locale. A video camera moves along a street recording images of objects along the street. A GPS receiver and inertial navigation system provide the position of the camera as the images are being recorded. The images are indexed with the position data provided by the GPS receiver and inertial navigation system. The composite image is created on a column-by-column basis by determining which of the acquired images contains the desired pixel column, extracting the pixels associated with the column, and stacking the columns side by side. The composite images are stored in an image database and associated with a street name and number range of the street being depicted in the image. The image database covers a substantial amount of a geographic area allowing a user to visually navigate the area from a user terminal.

System and method for 3-D digital reconstruction of an oral cavity from a sequence of 2-D images

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided through which a model-based vision system for dentistry which assists in diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical simulation. The present invention includes an integrated computer vision system that constructs a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the patient's dental occlusion using an intra-oral video camera. A modified shape from shading technique, using perspective projection and camera calibration, extracts the 3-D information from a sequence of two-dimensional images of the jaw. Data fusion of range data and 3-D registration techniques develop a complete 3-D digital jaw model. Triangulation of the 3-D digital model is then performed, and optionally, a solid 3-D model is reconstructed.

Automatic Dense Reconstruction from Uncalibrated Video Sequences

Abstract: This thesis describes a system that completely automaticallybuilds a three-dimensional model of a scene given a sequence ofimages of the scene. The system also estimates the internalparameters of the camera and the poses from where the originalimages were taken. Results that have been produced from realworld sequences acquired with a handheld video camera arepresented.The main contribution of the thesis is in building acomplete system and applying it to full-scale real worldproblems, thereby facing the practical difficulties of far fromideal imagery. Contributions are also made to several systemcomponents, most notably in dealing with variable amounts ofmotion between frames, auto-calibration and densereconstruction from a large number of images. Thesecontributions are presented as appended papers to enable theexperienced reader to easily study the novelty of the thesis.The main text gives a detailed coherent account of thetheoretical foundation for the system and its components.There are several motivations for constructing systems ofthe proposed type. One motivation is to make it possible forany amateur photographer to produce graphical models of theworld with the use of a computer. The viewer of the materialcan then navigate through the model and view it from any point.Another application is the insertion of synthetic objects intoan existing video sequence. This task is frequently carried outin movie making but is then performed with a great deal ofexpensive manual work. A quite futuristic but highlyinteresting application is augmented reality where theuser’s view of the world is augmented by the insertion ofsynthetic objects.

Development of real-time image sequence analysis for evaluating posture change and respiratory rate of a subject in bed.

Abstract: An image sequence analysis technique was developed to evaluate posture change and respiratory rate of a subject in bed without any physical contact. Although the image sequence analysis requires many calculations, the system can perform them in real time. The system consisted of a CCD video camera and a PC equipped with a high-speed image processor. To evaluate the system, we tested it on five subjects at a nursing home. The system evaluated 99.4% of the movements of subjects during the total monitoring time (about 61 hours). The waveform was flat when the subject was out of view of the video camera. The system has the possibility of evaluating not only posture changes and respiratory rate. but also sleeping patterns.

An adaptive algorithm for text detection from natural scenes

Abstract: We present a new adaptive algorithm for automatic detection of text from a natural scene. The initial cues of text regions are first detected from the captured image/video. An adaptive color modeling and searching algorithm is then utilized near the initial text cues, to discriminate text/non-text regions. EM optimization algorithm is used for color modeling, under the constraint of text layout relations for a specific language. The proposed algorithm combines the advantages of several previous approaches for text detection, and utilizes a focus-of-attention approach for text finding. The whole algorithm is applied in a prototype system that can automatically detect and recognize sign input from a video camera, and translate the signs into English text or voice streams. We present evaluation results of our algorithm on this system.

Image generating system and method and storage medium

Abstract: An image generating system is provided which is capable of reducing the time difference between the real space image and the virtual space image to thereby provide a more real composite image for the observer. A video camera captures an image of a real space at an observer's eye position and in the observer's line-of-sight direction. A line-of-sight detecting device detects the observer's eye position and line-of-sight direction. A virtual space image generator generates a virtual space image at the observer's eye position and in the observer's line-of-sight direction, the position and orientation being detected by the line-of-sight detecting device. A composite image generator generates a composite image by synthesizing the virtual space image generated by the virtual space image generator and a real space image outputted by the video camera. A display device displays the composite image generated by the composite image generator. A managing system collectively manages information on objects present in the real space and the virtual space as well as locations and orientations thereof.

Device for metal welding

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for metal welding, comprising a shielding element ( 1 ) which allows visual monitoring of the working process but protects the eyes from light radiation. The device comprises a video camera ( 5 ) which is directable towards the welding zone for recording the welding process in the form of video signals transmitted, via an image processing unit, to a video display unit ( 7 ), which the user is able to view and which is placed in or on the inside of the shielding element ( 1 ). The image processing unit reads process data from the video signals and presents the same via the video display unit.

Vision-based highway overhead structure detection system

Abstract: An image sequence is inputted from a camera and vertical motion is estimated. A windowed horizontal edge-projection is extracted from the inputted image sequence and corresponding horizontal edges are projected. The horizontal edge-projection and the vertical motion estimation are combined in a horizontal segmentation and tracking element, and are forwarded to an object parameter estimation element, where the object's distance and height are estimated. This data is combined in a fusion with a radar detection element. By correctly matching the overhead objects sensed by the radar detection element and the video camera, the proximity and relative speed can be ascertained. Once overhead objects have been identified they can be isolated and not considered for collision avoidance purposes.

Method and apparatus for controlling a remote video camera in a video conferencing system

Abstract: An apparatus for use within a video conferencing system comprising an image analysis circuit and a control circuit is presented. As described herein, the image analysis circuit is operative to analyze at least a video frame of video conferencing signals of a video conference. The control circuit, coupled to the image analysis circuit, is operative to control a remote video camera of a remote conferencing apparatus communicatively coupled to the video conferencing apparatus to conduct the video conference, responsive to the results of said analysis.

Method and apparatus for object surveillance with a movable camera

Abstract: A method for holding an object of interest in a field of view of a movable video camera, the object of interest being selected from a plurality of moving objects detected in the field of view, is taught. An indication of the object of interest is received and is used to predict a future position thereof. Movement commands for the camera are created based on the future position of the object of interest such that the object of interest remains in the field of view of the camera.

Barehands: implement-free interaction with a wall-mounted display

Abstract: We describe Barehands, a free-handed interaction technique, in which the user can control the invocation of system commands and tools on a touch screen by touching it with distinct hand postures. Using behind-screen infrared (IR) illumination and a video camera with an IR filter, we enable a back-projected SMARTBoard (a commercially available, 61 3/8" x 47" touch-sensing display) to identify and respond to several distinct hand postures. Barehands provides a natural, quick, implement-free method of interacting with large, wall-mounted interactive surfaces.

An advanced video camera system with robust AF, AE, and AWB control

Abstract: This paper presents an advanced video camera system which has robust automatic focus (AF), automatic exposure (AE), and automatic white-balance (AWB) control. The proposed AF algorithm decides the correct moving direction of the lens and detects the accurate in-focus state even though the scene is interfered with by the high light intensity. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can be an effective alternative to conventional systems using the hill-climbing method.

Multi-observation and recording system for various modes of transportation

Abstract: A system which includes a housing having a video camera removably mounted to the control or instrument panel of an airplane, train, or boat is disclosed. The camera records the airway, track, or waterway in front of the airplane, train, or boat, respectively. The camera focuses on the airway, track, or waterway in front of the vehicle and includes three additional lenses where each additional lens is focused on a different view. That is, the first lens is focused on the operator, the second lens is focused on one part of the instrument panel that may show speed or altitude or the like, and the third lens is focused on another part of the panel that may display other relevant information. The system is wired into the airplane, train, or boat so that when it is turned on the camera is activated. A recording unit is located in the airplane, train, or boat in a waterproof and/or fireproof housing. The recording unit includes a cassette tape, disc, or chip. A key-lock prevents the unauthorized removal of the tape. As video images are received from the camera, the date and time are superimposed on the recorded image by a time and date generator that is always running regardless of the operation of the airplane, train, or boat. A button on the housing allows the operator to retrieve the last ten minutes of the tape. The present invention also includes an output jack which allows authorized personnel to retrieve the last fifteen minutes of the tape via a separate mini recorder.

Video game system for capturing images and applying the captured images to animated game play characters

Abstract: A frame of still picture data is captured at an instant specified by a user from video signals supplied from a given video source, such as a television receiver, a video camera, etc., and the image data is displayed. When the user specifies an area of image to be cut out from the displayed still picture, the image data in the specified area is cut out and recorded as a cutout image. Each cutout image recorded is displayed in the form of an icon. When any of the icons is selected by the user, the corresponding cutout image data is read and pasted in a part to be changed in the original image data. Thus an image can be easily created by user's choice.

Video camera with major functions implemented in host software

Abstract: A low cost camera by implementing the major functions in host software is provided. This is accomplished by sending raw, digitized data from the camera directly to the host. The increased volume of raw data is handled by either an improved compression/decompression scheme using lossless compression, using lossy compression or using a shared bus with higher bandwidth. By moving such functions as color processing and scaling to the host, the pixel correction can also be moved to the host. This in turn allows the elimination of the frame buffer memory from the camera. Finally, the camera can use a low cost lens by implementing vignetting, distortion, gamma or aliasing correction with a correction value stored in a register of the camera for later access by the host to perform corrections.

Intruder detection through trajectory analysis in monitoring and surveillance systems

Abstract: A security monitoring system including: at least one camera for monitoring a path of an individual inside and/or outside a structure; a recorder for recording the monitoring of the individual; trajectory analyzer for computing a trajectory of the path of the individual from the recorded monitoring; comparator for comparing the trajectory against known trajectories; and an alarm system for transmitting an alarm signal if the trajectory does not match one of the known trajectories. Preferably a video camera is used in each of an entrance, exit, and one or more rooms of the structure and the recorder records video segments of the path of the individual inside and/or outside the structure. Preferably the system also includes: a database for storing image data for each authorized individual of the structure; and a recognition system for comparing images of the individual from the at least one camera with the stored image data in the database and for determining if the individual is one of the authorized individuals, where the alarm system transmits the alarm signal if the trajectory does not match one of the known trajectories or the individual is determined not to be one of the authorized individuals.